The railway budget rightly places its emphasis on security, intensified technology-orientation, quality of service, cleanliness, better food service, connectivity and paves the way for new projects, with modernity built into them. Apart from 50 new trains, the budget announced five Jansadharan, five premium, six AC express trains and, more significantly, high-speed network and bullet trains. In the Indian context, the railways require modernisation and cleanliness, coupled with security. The budget has also emphasised on monitoring railway stations through CCTVs. As for the new projects - though there are hardly any indications as to how their financial closures will be ensured - one should see that time is too short for this purpose. At this stage, it would be better to initiate the requisite studies and outline preparatory steps. The railways should chalk out time-bound programmes and announce them quickly. Rather than hurrying with the details and later rectifying them and losing public confidence, it would be better to pay more attention to preparatory steps.
K U Mada Mumbai
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